The Root of Women Suffering and Core Solutions as Presented by Khaled Hosseini in A Thousand Splendid Suns

Abstract

A Thousand Splendid Suns (ATSS) is a novel written by the Afghan novelist Khalid Hosseini. It portrays the sufferings of females in the patriarchal and male-oriented society of Afghanistan and the gender oppression imposed on them through their culture, lifestyle, norms, and the governing system. This particular written text, (The Root of Women Suffering and Core Solutions as Presented by Khaled Hosseini in A Thousand Splendid Suns) shows the conflicts and struggles that the major female characters undergo when they try to find their place in their own specific society. It is an attempt to read (ATSS) from the perspective of women’s negative influence on their own social status and their miserable life and the positive role of men in women’s emancipation. It is divided into several sections. It starts with an introduction to women’s status in Afghanistan where they suffered from both the patriarchal system and the governing rule. Then it discusses the hostility of women against women and their negative influence on the personality building of Afghan females, in contrast, it argues the progressive inspiration women receive from men. After that, it looks at the contradictions women show in their preference for males over females. Finally, it concludes that the true success and emancipation of women cannot be achieved without real unity and support among women themselves on one side and with men on the other side. Both genders together can create a society where everyone can live in peace and dignity.